Events

Kukkiwon International Event 
The event was held at the Dynasty Hall Hotel, Shilla Gyeonghulgung, Seoul, Korea. 
At the Leader's Forum, TKD representatives from all over the world, including Master Jung, were invited to openly discuss TKD issues and problems. Members were recognized for their work and showered with certificates and awards. Other participants received awards as well.

This event demonstrated a Kukkiwon's dedication to members and holders of Kukkiwon certificates should be proud of their organization. Click in the picture on the right to see gallery

Farewell Master Stuart James Forrest
The Korean Martial Arts Center and the World Martial Arts Union pay tribute to Master Forrest for his long service to the the Martial Arts and his devotion to students of all ranks and ages.

Unfortunately, Master Forrest's busy schedule as the recently appointed Probation Chief of San Mateo County requires him to step away from a regular teaching schedule at KMAC HQ. Fortunately, we will still see Master Forrest at promotion events, tournaments and school functions. He remains President of the WMAU and we are honored to have him continue signing our Black Belt Certificates.

On Dec. 18th. 2009, GM Jung, Master Sonny Jung, Master David Mangonon, Master Thomas Mar and Angela Jung had the privilege of touring Master Forrest's brand new facilities. We visited his large Chief's office, the San Mateo Juvenile Hall, the San Mateo Probation Department, the staff exercise room, running track and other areas.

Most important, during our visit we shared with Master Forrest Most our feelings about how much we appreciate and respect his many years of service. During our visit we presented him with a Samurai Sword and engraved plate detailing his history with KMAC. Mastering the Samurai Sword is the final stage of the Martial Arts journey and Master Forrest is more than deserving of this award.

Inscription Reads:
Cha-Ryot, Kyong-nye
Master Stuart James Forrest, 8th Dan
In Appreciation for your 30 + years of didication to marital arts
The virtue of a martial artist is that he never quits but only retires.
Kam-sa- ham- ni- da
December 31st, 2009
Grandmaster Merrill W. Jung
Korean Martial Arts Center-HQ

We also had a send off for Master Forrest on his last day at KMAC. I want to acknkowledge all the students who came to the luncheon to properly thank Master Forrest. Master R. Goldstein, Master J. Lee, Master Charlie Goldberg, Dr. Barbara Goldberg, Bill Ong, Luis Perdice, Grant Stewart, Jessica Loy, SBN Glenn Goffin, Damon O'Donnell, Ed Liskey, Owain Elliot, Pedro Rojas and Derrick Lee. And all the in the following class Anthony Lee, Monica Lee, Kenneth Mensah, Kaila Woo, Sanel Velic, as well as any others others that I can not recall that couldn't make it to the luncheon.

Pictures from the 2009 KMAC awards

Pictures from the 2009 KMAC Picnic

Ji, Han Jae Celebrates His 73rd Birthday
On August 9th, 2009 Dojunim Ji, Han Jae celebrated his 73rd birthday here in the Bay Area at Foster City, California.  It was also his 25th Anniversary coming here to the United States sponsored by the Northern California Hapkido Association aka World Martial Arts Union under the directorship of Master Stuart J. Forrest, 8th Dan, GM Jung and the NCHA Board Members.
Dojunim Ji's first school was established " On the Top of the Hill" in Daly City.

The photo shows Dojunim, Ji,  Han Jae( center ) and GM Jung (Right) and there was Masters from Europe ( France& Austria ), South America ( Brazil, Costa Rico + others South America areas ), North America ( Canada & Mexico ) and U.S.A. ( Washington, Texas, Illinois, Washington D.C., New Jersey, Penn., & Georgia ) There where others areas which GM Jung can not recall.

Dojunim, presently resides in the East Coast but he always considered the Bay Area is his second home and has always paid tribute the Northern California Hapkido Association for sponsoring him here to the United States in 1984. And here in the U.S.A. Dojunim was able to continue his Sin Moo Hapkido and develop a international martial art throughout the world.
And that Grandmaster Jung was announced at the first top black belt this side of the western hemisphere at the August 9th,  2009 Sin Moo Lecture.  Happy Birthday Dojunim Ji, Han Jae for celebrating your birthay here in the Bay Area.

* Dojunim means Founder

Escrima, Kempo and Sil Lum Tests at KMAC
On Sept. 27th, 2009,  ( Sunday )  GM Jung's Sifu GM Glenn Abrescy,  Filipino Stick Fighting and Kempo Karate held a promotion test at KMAC. Sifu Abrescy's very own black belt Instructor Jimmy McCullough who has a group of student here in the S.F. needed a facility to host their color belt test.

GM Glenn Abrescy, Merced, Ca. and Sifu Don Lee, Sil Lum Kung Fu, Sacramento, Ca. and GM Jung had quite a reunion after 22 years absent from visiting each others.  We look forward to the next visit and welcome KMAC students to attend,  whereas the students performance were very inspirating and put on a outstanding show.

Letter from Mike Jordan

Master Jung,
It was great seeing you again. I am quite impressed at how well you are recovering from your surgery. You are truly an inspiration. I told my mother, who also had knee replacement surgery, about your recovery. Hopefully your story will motivate her. I am attaching a copy of the picture we took at the SHLG 2009 meetings.  I understand the next meeting will take place in Las Vegas.  I hope to see you there. 

Hapki

- Mike Jordan

KMAC MEMBERS AND FRIENDS,

PLEASE,  COME AND SUPPORT OUR VERY OWN
" MISS MARIA WONG" A 2ND DAN BLACK BELT RUNNING
FOR THE 2009 MISS ASIAN AMERICA PAGEANT.

SATURDAY,  AUGUST 8TH,  2009
7:OOPM ( DOORS OPEN @ 6PM)
PALACE OF FINE ARTS THEATRE
3301 LYON STREET
SAN FRANCISCO,  CALIF.

RESERVED SEATING:  $35.00
VIP TICKETS:  $135.00

CONTACT:  SHERLY MOY
415-806-0654
SHERLYMOY@YAHOO.COM

Haley Kong modeling her 2009
National AAU Team Warm-up.

Miss Chinatown 09
This was a thank you letter from the Crowd Control Director, Mikey Fong to our team at KMAC for our efforts during the event...

"I wanted to take the time to thank everyone for their hard work and commitment during
this years Miss Chinatown 2009.
Darlene Hong
Brendan Hong
Ed Liskey
David Manganon
Grant Stewart
Eddie Viray
Eric Viray

During the pageant I've received nothing but great accolades from both the San Francisco Police Department and the Pageant Staff.

I also wanted to take this time to recognize Grant for taking out an extra 2 days to help represent us during the Miss Chinatown Pageant on a short notice. Grant by himself represented us on Thursday all day and Friday all day and night. Grant also performed not only our regular duties but also performed the same duties as an escort. From what I have been told the ladies felt very secure and comfortable while in his company.

It would be an honor to have the KMAC team again in future events such as these and continue our great service with the profound professionalism, flexibility, adaptability and integrity that you've all displayed during the Miss Chinatown 2009.

From the bottom of my heart thank you again,

Mike Fong
Crowd Management Director

OMI-Street Festival
September 13, 2008 ( Saturday )

Like the past year, Korean Martial Arts Center-HQ joins the Ocean Avenue Merchants Festival held on Faxon and Ocean Avenue. This year, KMAC involved not only the Taekwondo Demonstration Team but we included the Weapon Class Demonstration Members. We like to thank the following participants:

• Master Richard Goldstein, MC
  
• Sifu Dr. John Lee, Tai Chi Demo
  
• Monica Lee, Sanel Velic, Kaila Woo, Ethan Trinh, and Andrew Trinh,
  Junior TKD Demo Team
  
• Luis Perdices and Anthony Lee, One Step Sparring Demo Team
  
• Master David Choi and KSN Jasmine Jazz Gong, Board Breaking
  Team KSN Grant Stewart and Alvin Lam, PR Team
  
• Aaron Pond and Tristan York, Weapons Demo Team

Click her to see a photo gallery from this event

Miss Asia 08!
I just wanted to thank you all for your help on Saturday and Sunday AM. I was told that this was the first and only year that the crowd management went so well. It is clear that they need this type of unit and with the support of a dedicated team and representatives from various agencies, we had a positive experience for staff, volunteers, contestants and guests.

I have souvenir pictures, posters and program books for all of you and it will be with GM Jung on Monday night. If you are in class, I would like to personally give it to you, if not, you can pick up your copy with GM Jung. Thank you all again and look forward to having you back next year!

The pageant staff will have a post meeting in the next couple of weeks where we will reassess what went well, what didn't and what we can do better next year. Your input is greatly appreciated as this was our first time establishing a crowd control unit. Again, they left a crazy woman like me in charge! What the heck were they thinking!

     Sincerely
     Darlene Hong

Dojunim Visits West Coast
Celebrating the memory of Bruce Lee In conjunction with the
reunion of Dojunim Ji Han Jae and Phoebe Lee.

Left to Right: Susie Lee, Phoebe Lee (the late Bruce Lee's sister),
Dojunim Ji Han Jae (Founder of Sin Moo Hapkido), Lisa Ji,
Grandmaster M.W. Jung, Elvira Jung, Master Frank Croaro,
Cathy Croaro and Ron Lee of the S.F. mayor's office.

Special Announcement:
Sonny-Ryan Jung, June 25th, 2008 had graduated with the 141th Alameda Police Academy. The Academy is recognized as one of the 12 toughest Academies in the country.

On June 26th, 2008 he was sworn in
by the Chief Gary Gee of the B.A.R.T. Police Dept. were he is hired. Sonny would like to thank all the people who made it possible for his hiring. Particularly, Lt. Joe Hahner who planted the seed in kicking off Sonny's career.

Click here to see pictures

An open letter to KMAC friends and family
Posted 5-27-08

Ji Han Jae Birthday Celebration
KMAC celebrated the 70th Birthday
for Dojunim Ji Han Jae, the founder
of Sin Moo Hapkido.

Over 200 guests attended celebrating over a festive dinner and a
variety of entertainment that definitely left this day extremely
memorable for Do Ji Num and his wife.

To all who have attended and contributed to his Day in San Francisco, ”Thank you everyone” for making this a day to be remembered.

One Day Seminar with Dojunim Ji Han Jae
On November 25th, 2006 a handful of selected students had the special privileage to have participated in a full day workshop with Do Ji Num Ji Han Jae.

The 9 hour workshop was filled with extensive details to the Hapkido techniques, words of wisdom and the “words of the wise”. We all stepped away learning something new, fine tuning our techniques and truly understanding and respect the art of Sin Moo Hapkido.Thank you Do Ji Num for the hours of training and tips to keep us all healthy.

2006 Ji Han Jae 70th Birthday Video 2006
Click here to view

2006 KMAC 20th Anniversary Video
Click here to view